In her arms, Rigel whined uncertainly.
Her mothers voice was only a whisper, but Mari could feel it through her whole body.
it’s possible for you to do this.
Credit: Daniel Stark at Stark Photography
The power is not yours to keep your body is merely its channel.
Borrow serenity from the image of the Earth Mother.
Though you may be surrounded by chaos or sickness or injuries, find the true you within.
It is a waterfall at night.
Rigel is the basin that must hold it.
Mari stared at the beautiful image of the Earth Mother that Leda pruned and cared for so lovingly.
But, as always, the figure was only foliage and art to Mari.
She couldnt feel the divine presence her mother revered.
She could not find her true self her center.
Mama, I c-cant.
Mari stuttered through chattering teeth.
Only because the healing power is not meant for you.
Release the fears of your body, Mari.
Find your grounding and become a channel for the moons energy.
Tonight you must succeed.
If you do not, your Rigel will surely die.
Her mothers words exploded through Maris body.
I wont let him.
Yet, still the power was a whirlpool within her.
It terrified Mari and threatened to suck her down to drown in its freezing depths.
This was when she usually failed.
But there was no next time for Rigel, and Mari refused to lose him.Think!
Mari, slow your breathing.
This is no longer practice.
You either heal Rigel, or fail and he dies from shock and blood loss.This is your reality.
Thats it, Mama!
I need to make this my reality!
Mari squeezed her eyes closed.Could that be the answer?
Her gulping breath slowed.
Her hammering heart quieted.
Mari found her grounding as she envisioned a blank sheet of paper.
Suddenly the cold tide within Mari was controllable.
Im doing it!And just that quickly her concentration shattered.
The picture shed been creating disappeared along with the tide of power within her.
I was doing it it was working, Mari gasped, gripping her mothers hand like a lifeline.
The sun is fully risen.
But it was enough.
You did it, sweet girl.
I knew you could.
Praise the Earth Mother and the blessed Moon!
You have saved him.
Feeling dizzy and disconnected, Mari looked down at Rigel.
The pup wagged his tail animatedly and sat up, licking her face.
Even though she felt light-headed, she laughed weakly and put her arms around him.
With a trembling hand, Mari brushed aside the blood-matted fur on his chest.
I knew it was true.
You do have my powers and more.
Copyright 2016 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martins Griffin.
